Optical switch

ABSTRACT

An optical fiber switch ( 16 ) for alternatively redirecting an input beam ( 14 ) comprises a redirector ( 18 ) and a redirector mover ( 20 ). The redirector ( 18 ) is positioned in the path of the input beam ( 14 ) along a directed axis ( 344 A). The redirector ( 18 ) redirects the input beam ( 14 ) so that a redirected beam ( 46 ) alternatively launches from the redirector ( 18 ) (i) along a first redirected axis ( 354 ) that is spaced apart from the directed axis ( 344 A) when the redirector ( 18 ) is positioned at a first position ( 348 ), and (ii) along a second redirected axis ( 356 ) that is spaced apart from the directed axis ( 344 A) when the redirector ( 18 ) is positioned at a second position ( 350 ) that is different from the first position ( 348 ). The redirector mover ( 20 ) moves the redirector ( 18 ) about a movement axis ( 366 ) between the first position ( 348 ) and the second position ( 350 ). The redirector mover ( 20 ) includes a stator component ( 320 A) and a rotor component ( 320 B) that moves relative to the stator component ( 320 A). The input beam ( 14 ) is directed along the directed axis ( 344 A) substantially between the stator component ( 32 A) and the redirector ( 18 ) prior to the input beam ( 14 ) being redirected by the redirector ( 18 ).

RELATED INVENTIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/267,787filed Oct. 6, 2011, which is currently pending. application Ser. No.13/267,787 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/780,575,filed May 14, 2010, which is currently pending. As far as permitted, thecontents of application Ser. Nos. 13/267,787 and 12/780,575 areincorporated herein by reference. Additionally, this application claimspriority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/390,260, filed Oct.6, 2010 and entitled “OPTICAL SWITCH”. As far as is permitted, thecontents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/390,260 areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Laser sources that generate laser beams are commonly used in manyapplications, such as testing, measuring, diagnostics, pollutionmonitoring, leak detection, security, pointer tracking, jamming infraredseeking missile guidance systems, analytical instruments, homelandsecurity and industrial process control.

Often, many systems require multiple laser beams to perform theirrequired functions. Thus, these systems typically require a separatelaser source for each of the required laser beams. Unfortunately,providing a separate laser source for each required laser beam can beexpensive to manufacture and maintain, and require a significant amountof space. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a compactsystem that can direct a laser beam from a single laser source indifferent directions, e.g., toward different optical fiber cables, sothat the single laser source can perform the multiple requiredfunctions. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide such a systemwhere the switching of the direction of the beam among the differentoptical cables can occur at relatively high speed. Further, it would bebeneficial to provide such a system that inhibits loss of power duringoperation.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward an optical fiber switch foralternatively redirecting an input beam along a first redirected axisand along a second redirected axis, the input beam being launched alongan input axis and directed along a directed axis. In certainembodiments, the optical switch comprises a redirector and a redirectormover. The redirector is positioned in the path of the input beam alongthe directed axis. The redirector redirects the input beam so that aredirected beam alternatively launches from the redirector (i) along thefirst redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis whenthe redirector is positioned at a first position, and (ii) along thesecond redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis whenthe redirector is positioned at a second position that is different fromthe first position. The redirector mover moves the redirector about amovement axis between the first position and the second position. Theredirector mover includes a stator component and a rotor component thatmoves relative to the stator component. The input beam is directed alongthe directed axis substantially between the stator component and theredirector prior to the input beam being redirected by the redirector.

In some embodiments, at least one of the stator component and the rotorcomponent includes a component aperture. In such embodiments, the inputbeam can be directed through the component aperture. Additionally, thecomponent aperture can be coaxial with the movement axis. Further, inone embodiment, the movement axis is substantially coaxial with thedirected axis, and the redirector is fixedly coupled to the rotorcomponent. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the redirector includes aninput reflective surface that is positioned in the path of the inputbeam along the directed axis and an output reflective surface that issubstantially parallel to and spaced apart from the input reflectivesurface. In such embodiments, the input reflective surface can befixedly coupled to the output reflective surface.

In some embodiments, the optical fiber switch further comprises adirector having a director reflective surface that directs the inputbeam from the input axis to the directed axis. In one such embodiment,the optical fiber switch further comprises a window, wherein the inputbeam passes through the window prior to contacting the directorreflective surface, and wherein the director reflective surface ispositioned substantially between the stator component and theredirector. Additionally, the director can include a director shaft thatextends through the window. Alternatively, in one embodiment, at leastone of the stator component and the rotor component can include acomponent aperture, and the director can include a director shaft thatextends through the component aperture. In such embodiment, the directorshaft retains the director reflective surface such that the directorreflective surface is positioned substantially between the statorcomponent and the redirector. Still alternatively, in one embodiment,the director reflective surface can be secured to the stator component.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber switch further comprises a lockingassembly that selectively locks the redirector at the first position andat the second position.

Additionally, the present invention is further directed toward a lightsource assembly comprising a light source that generates an input beam,and the optical fiber switch as described above that alternativelyredirects the input beam along the first redirected axis and the secondredirected axis. In one embodiment, the light source assembly furthercomprises a control system that controls the optical fiber switch toperform individual switching operations within a substantially constantmovement time rate regardless of the temperature of the optical fiberswitch.

Further, the present invention is also directed toward a method foralternatively redirecting an input beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is simplified perspective view of a light source assemblyincluding a mounting base, and an embodiment of an optical fiber switchhaving features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified side view of an aircraft including the lightsource assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a simplified side view of a portion of the mounting base andthe optical fiber switch illustrated in FIG. 1, with a redirector of theoptical fiber switch positioned in a first position;

FIG. 3B is a simplified side view of the portion of the mounting baseand the optical fiber switch illustrated in FIG. 3A, with the redirectorpositioned in a second position;

FIG. 3C is a simplified side view of the portion of the mounting baseand the optical fiber switch illustrated in FIG. 3A, with the redirectorpositioned in a third position;

FIG. 3D is an illustration of portion of the optical fiber switch havingfeatures of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified side view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe optical fiber switch having features of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified side view of a portion of still anotherembodiment of the optical fiber switch having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified side view of a portion of yet another embodimentof the optical fiber switch having features of the present invention;and

FIG. 7 is a simplified side view of a portion of the mounting base andstill yet another embodiment of the optical fiber switch having featuresof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is simplified perspective view of a light source assembly 10,e.g., a laser source assembly, which can be used for many things,including but not limited to testing, measuring, diagnostics, pollutionmonitoring, leak detection, security, pointer tracking, jamming aguidance system, analytical instruments, homeland security andindustrial process control. The design of the light source assembly 10can be varied to achieve the functional requirements for the lightsource assembly 10. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,the light source assembly 10 includes a light source 12, e.g., a lasersource, which generates an input beam 14 (illustrated as a dashedarrow); an optical fiber switch 16 including a redirector 18(illustrated as a box in phantom) and a redirector mover 20 (illustratedin phantom), the optical fiber switch 16 selectively and alternativelydirecting the input beam 14 to a plurality of different locations 22A,22B, 22C, 22D (illustrated as boxes); a control system 24 that controlsthe operation of the light source 12 and the optical fiber switch 16;and a mounting base 26 that retains one or more of these components. Itshould be noted that in FIG. 1, the light source 12 and the opticalfiber switch 16 are shown spaced apart for purposes of clarity and easeof description, and these elements may be closer together in actual useand operation of the light source assembly 10.

Alternatively, the light source assembly 10 can be designed with more orfewer components than are illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the arrangementof these components can be different than that illustrated in FIG. 1.Further, the relative size and shape of these components can bedifferent than that illustrated in FIG. 1.

A number of Figures include an orientation system that illustrates an Xaxis, a Y axis that is orthogonal to the X axis, and a Z axis that isorthogonal to the X and Y axes. It should be noted that these axes canalso be referred to as the first, second and third axes.

As an overview, the optical fiber switch 16 is uniquely designed toaccurately, selectively, and individually direct the input beam 14 tothe various locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. As a result thereof, a singlelight source 12 can be used to alternatively provide the input beam 14to multiple different devices or components. Additionally, the opticalfiber switch 16 is uniquely designed to minimize the space requirementsfor the optical fiber switch 16 and the laser source assembly 10, and toenable higher switching speeds as the input beam 14 is selectively andalternatively directed toward the various locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.Further, the unique design of the optical fiber switch 16 providesgreater flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 20 to quickly andaccurately move the redirector 18 so that the input beam 14 is properlydirected. Moreover, with the unique optical fiber switch 16 providedherein, the input beam 14 generated by the light source 12 can beselectively directed to the appropriate location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D withminimal power loss.

There are a number of possible usages for the light source assembly 10disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the light sourceassembly 10 (illustrated in phantom) can be utilized on an aircraft 28(e.g., a plane or helicopter) as with a pointer tracker system (notshown) for protecting an aircraft from an anti-aircraft missile 30 thatmay be locked onto the heat emitting from the aircraft 28. The lightsource assembly 10, i.e. the light source 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1)emits the beam, e.g., the input beam 14 that has been appropriatelydirected by the optical fiber switch 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1), and thepointer tracker system causes the missile 30 to miss the aircraft 28.

With the present invention, the optical fiber switch 16 can be used todirect the beam 14 to the appropriate location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22B tolaunch the beam 14 from the desired area of the aircraft 28. With thisdesign, the optical fiber switch 16 can be used to control the location22A, 22B, 22C, 22B on the aircraft 28 from which the beam 14 is launcheddepending upon the approach direction of the missile 30 so that the beam14 can effectively track the path of the missile 30.

It should be noted that the light source assembly 10 can be powered by agenerator, e.g. the generator for the aircraft 28, a battery, or anotherpower source.

Referring back to FIG. 1, as provided above, the light source 12generates the input beam 14, and the light source 12 directs the inputbeam 14 toward the redirector 18. The design of the light source 12 canbe varied to achieve the desired wavelength and output power for theinput beam 14. For example, the light source 12 can be designed togenerate an input beam 14 that is primarily a single wavelength beam oris primarily a multiple wavelength (incoherent) beam. Thus, thecharacteristics of the input beam 14 can be adjusted to suit theapplication for the light source 12.

In one embodiment, the light source 12 can include one or more lasers(not shown) that each generate a beam. In the embodiment with multiplelasers, the individual beams are combined to create the input beam 14.Further, in the design with multiple lasers, each laser can beindividually tuned so that a specific wavelength of each beam is thesame or so that the specific wavelength of one or more of the beams isdifferent from that of each of the other beams. With this design, thenumber and design of the lasers can be varied to achieve the desiredcharacteristics of the input beam 14 to suit the application for thelight source assembly 10. Thus, the light source 12 can be used togenerate a narrow linewidth, accurately settable input beam 14.

In one non-exclusive embodiment, the light source 12 includes one ormore mid-infrared (“MIR”) lasers (not shown) that each generates a beamhaving a center wavelength in the MIR range, and one or more non-MIRlasers (not shown) that each generates a beam having a center wavelengththat is outside the MIR range, e.g., greater than or less than the MIRrange. One example of a suitable MIR laser is a Quantum Cascade laser,and one example of a suitable non-MIR laser is a diode-pumpedThulium-doped fiber laser.

As provided above, the optical fiber switch 16 selectively andalternatively directs the input beam 14 to each of the locations 22A,22B, 22C, 22D. In one embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 includes aswitch housing 32, the redirector 18, the redirector mover 20, and aplurality of output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. In one non-exclusivealternative embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 further includes aninput fiber 734 (illustrated in FIG. 7) that transfers and directs theinput beam 14 from the light source 12 toward the redirector 18.

The switch housing 32 retains the components of the optical fiber switch16, including the redirector 18, the redirector mover 20, and a portionof the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. The design of the switch housing 32can be varied to achieve the design requirements of the optical fiberswitch 16.

In certain embodiments, the light source 12 generates the input beam 14such that the input beam 14 is initially directed along an input axis34A. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the input axis 34A issubstantially parallel to the Y axis.

Alternatively, the input axis 34A can be substantially parallel to the Xaxis, substantially parallel to the Z axis, or in another direction.Additionally, the input beam 14 is directed along a directed axis 344A(illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3A) prior to the input beam 14 beingredirected by the redirector 18 toward one of the locations 22A, 22B,22C, 22D. In one embodiment, the directed axis 344A is substantiallycoaxial with the input axis 34A. Alternatively, the directed axis 344Acan be substantially parallel to the input axis 34A, the directed axis344A can be substantially perpendicular, e.g., orthogonal, to the inputaxis 34A, or the directed axis 344A can have a different orientationrelative to the input axis 34A. For example, in certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, (i) the input axis 34A can be substantiallyparallel to the Y axis and the directed axis 344A can be substantiallyparallel to the Y axis and coaxial with the input axis 34A; (ii) theinput axis 34A can be substantially parallel to the Y axis and thedirected axis 344A can be substantially parallel to one of the X axis orthe Z axis; (iii) the input axis 34A can be substantially parallel tothe X axis and the directed axis 344A can be substantially parallel toone of the Y axis or the Z axis; (iv) the input axis 34A can besubstantially parallel to the Z axis and the directed axis 344A can besubstantially parallel to one of the X axis or the Y axis.

Moreover, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3A-3C, the inputbeam 14 can be directed along the input axis 34A and along the directedaxis 344A without the path of the input beam 14 being altered. Statedanother way, in certain embodiments, for example the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3A-3C, the path of the input beam 14need not be altered prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 18 because the directed axis 344A is coaxial with the inputaxis 34A. Alternatively, for example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4-6, the path of the input beam 14 must be altered from the inputaxis 434A, 534A, 634A to the directed axis 444A, 544A, 644A,respectively, prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 18.

The redirector 18 is positioned along the directed axis 344A in the pathof the input beam 14 and can be used to alternatively and selectivelydirect and steer a redirected beam 46 (illustrated with a dashed arrowin the first output fiber 36) to each of the output fibers 36, 38, 40,42. The redirector 18 will be described in more detail below.

The redirector mover 20 selectively moves the redirector 18 so that theinput beam 14 can be selectively and alternatively directed to each ofthe locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. The design of the redirector mover 20can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the light sourceassembly 10 and/or the optical fiber switch 16. In one, non-exclusiveembodiment, the redirector mover 20 is a stepper motor that canprecisely move the redirector 18 so that the input beam 14 is preciselydirected toward each of the locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. Alternatively,the redirector mover 20 can have a different design.

Additionally, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, theredirector mover 20 can be positioned substantially between the lightsource 12 and the redirector 18 along the path of the input beam 14.Further, the redirector mover 20 is positioned on the opposite side ofthe redirector 18 from the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42, which enablesthe user to have access to the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 that isunobstructed by the positioning of the redirector mover 20.Alternatively, the redirector mover 20 can have a different positioningrelative to the light source 12 and the redirector 18. Particularembodiments of the redirector mover 20 will be described in greaterdetail herein below.

The output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 each alternatively receive theredirected beam 46 and can be used to direct the redirected beam 46 fromthe optical fiber switch 16 to the respective locations 22A, 22B, 22C,22D. The number and design of the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 can bevaried to achieve the design requirements of the light source assembly10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical fiber switch 16includes four, spaced apart output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 and each of theoutput fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 is an optical fiber. Alternatively, theoptical fiber switch 16 can include greater than or less than fouroutput fibers that can each alternatively receive the redirected beam 46and can be used to direct the redirected beam 46 from the optical fiberswitch 16 to the greater than or less than four locations.

In this embodiment, the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 can be labeled as afirst output fiber 36, a second output fiber 38, a third output fiber40, and a fourth output fiber 42. Further, each of the output fibers 36,38, 40, 42 includes a fiber inlet, e.g., the first output fiber 36includes a first fiber inlet 36B (illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3A),the second output fiber 38 includes a second fiber inlet 38B(illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3A), the third output fiber 40includes a third fiber inlet 40B (illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3A),and the fourth output fiber 42 includes a fourth fiber inlet (notillustrated), positioned near the redirector 18. Moreover, in thisembodiment, the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 are arranged about a circlethat is coaxial with the input axis 34A and the directed axis 344A, andthe fiber inlets 36B, 38B, 40B for the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 areequally spaced apart (e.g., ninety degrees apart).

Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, (i) the firstfiber inlet 36B for the first output fiber 36 is positioned and alignedalong a first output axis 36A; (ii) the second fiber inlet 38B for thesecond output fiber 38 is positioned and aligned along a second outputaxis 38A that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to thefirst output axis 36A; (iii) the third fiber inlet 40B for the thirdoutput fiber 40 is positioned and aligned along a third output axis 40Athat is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first outputaxis 36A and the second output axis 38A; and (iv) the fourth fiber inletfor the fourth output fiber 42 is positioned and aligned along a fourthoutput axis 42A that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel tothe first output axis 36A, the second output axis 38A, and the thirdoutput axis 40A. Moreover, in this embodiment, the output axes 36A, 38A,40A, 42A are parallel to the input axis 34A and the directed axis 344A,and are offset an equal distance away from the input axis 34A and thedirected axis 344A.

The control system 24 controls the operation of the other components ofthe light source assembly 10. For example, the control system 24 caninclude one or more processors and circuits. In certain embodiments, thecontrol system 24 can control the electron injection current to thelight source 12, and the control system 24 can control the optical fiberswitch 16 to control the position of the redirector 18 and, thus, tocontrol which output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42 is receiving the redirectedbeam 46.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the control system 24 can includecircuitry that enables the optical fiber switch 16 to perform individualswitching operations within a desired movement time regardless of thetemperature and/or environment in which the light source assembly 10and/or the optical fiber switch 16 is operating. Ambient and/oroperating temperature and/or other environmental differences can tend tocause the optical fiber switch 16 to operate, i.e. perform switchingoperations, at different speeds and/or within different time frames.Accordingly, the control system 24 can actively monitor the temperature,the pressure, and/or the speed/time (e.g., rotation rate) of switchingoperations, and the control system 24 can use that information to changethe current supplied to the redirector mover 20 in order to effectivelyadjust the torque required to maintain a substantially constant movementtime for switching operations between different locations of theredirector 18.

Additionally, the control system 24 can utilize one or more sensors 47that can be positioned at or near one or more of the locations 22A, 22B,22C, 22D. In one embodiment, the sensors 47 can be used as part of acalibration system or operation, where the system is tested to ensurethat the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 are connected to the correctswitch ports on the optical fiber switch 16. More particularly, thesystem can be tested to ensure that (i) when the input beam 14 isredirected by the redirector 18 toward a first switch port 49A, theredirected beam 46 travels through the first output fiber 36 and isproperly directed toward and/or arrives at the first location 22A; (ii)when the input beam 14 is redirected by the redirector 18 toward asecond switch port 49B, the redirected beam 46 travels through thesecond output fiber 38 and is properly directed toward and/or arrives atthe second location 22B; (iii) when the input beam 14 is redirected bythe redirector 18 toward a third switch port 49C, the redirected beam 46travels through the third output fiber 40 and is properly directedtoward and/or arrives at the third location 22C; and (iv) when the inputbeam 14 is redirected by the redirector 18 toward a fourth switch port49D, the redirected beam 46 travels through the fourth output fiber 42and is properly directed toward and/or arrives at the fourth location22D.

To the extent that the redirected beam 46 does not travel through theproper output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42 and does not arrive at the properlocation 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, adjustments can be made to ensure that theswitch ports 49A, 49B, 49C, 49D, the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 andthe respective locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are appropriately linked. Inone embodiment, the sensors 47 can provide feedback to the controlsystem 24 as to at what location the redirected beam 46 arrived. Incertain embodiments, if the redirected beam arrived at the improperlocation 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, (i) the attachment of the output fibers 36,38, 40, 42 can be changed to ensure that the redirected beam 46 arrivesat the proper location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D; or (ii) the control system 24can be calibrated to ensure that the redirected beam 24 is sent throughthe proper switch port 49A, 49B, 49C, 49D and/or the proper output fiber36, 38, 40, 42, in order to arrive at the desired location 22A, 22B,22C, 22D.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the control system 24 can further utilizean interlock system (not illustrated), e.g., a positive electricaland/or mechanical interlock system, which ensures that power is onlydirected to the light source 12 when the optical fiber switch 16 isaccurately aligned (as determined by the measurement system 382illustrated in FIG. 3A) with one of the switch ports 49A, 49B, 49C, 49Dand/or one of the output fibers 36, 38, 40 42. Stated another way, thecontrol system 24 can utilize the interlock system to inhibit operationof the light source 12 until the measurement system 382 (illustrated inFIG. 3A) indicates that the desired switch port 49A, 49B, 49C, 49D hasbeen reached.

The mounting base 26 provides a rigid platform that supports one or moreof the components of the light source assembly 10 and maintains therelative position of the components of the light source assembly 10. Inone non-exclusive embodiment, the mounting base 26 includes a pluralityof embedded base passageways (not shown) that allow for the circulationof hot and/or cold circulation fluid through the mounting base 26 tomaintain the temperature of the mounting base 26 and the componentsmounted thereon.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate alternative simplified side views of a portion ofthe mounting base 26 and the optical fiber switch 16 illustrated in FIG.1, with the redirector 18 being alternatively positioned in a firstposition 348, a second position 350 that is different from the firstposition 348, and a third position 352 that is different from the firstposition 348 and the second position 350. More particularly, FIG. 3A isa simplified side view of the portion of the mounting base 26 and theoptical fiber switch 16, with the redirector 18 of the optical fiberswitch 16 positioned in the first position 348; FIG. 3B is a simplifiedside illustration of the portion of the mounting base 26 and the opticalfiber switch 16, with the redirector 18 positioned in the secondposition 350; and FIG. 3C is a simplified side illustration of theportion of the mounting base 26 and the optical fiber switch 16, withthe redirector 18 positioned in the third position 352. FIGS. 3A-3Cfurther illustrate various features of an embodiment of the redirectormover 20 and the redirector 18 that is usable as part of the presentinvention. It should be noted that the switch housing 32 (illustrated inFIG. 1) is not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C so that the other components of theoptical fiber switch 16 are more clearly visible. Additionally, itshould be noted that in these simplified side views the fourth outputfiber 42 (illustrated in FIG. 1) is not visible because it would bepositioned directly behind the second output fiber 38.

As shown, the light source 12 is mounted on the mounting base 26. FIGS.3A-3C illustrate that the light source 12 generates the input beam 14and directs and/or launches the input beam along the input axis 34A, theinput beam 14 being subsequently directed along the directed axis 344A,which in this embodiment is substantially coaxial with the input axis34A, and toward the redirector 18. Additionally, in this embodiment, theredirector mover 20 is positioned substantially between the light source12 and the redirector 18. Further, as provided above, the optical fiberswitch 16, i.e. the redirector 18, selectively and alternatively directsthe input beam 14 to each of the output fibers 36, 38, 40.

Moreover, FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate that the redirector 18 is positioned inthe path of the input beam 14. In this embodiment, the redirector 18redirects the input beam 14 so that the redirected beam 46 (i) launchesfrom the redirector 18 along a first redirected axis 354 that is spacedapart from the directed axis 344A when the redirector 18 is positionedat the first position 348 as illustrated in FIG. 3A; (ii) launches fromthe redirector 18 along a second redirected axis 356 that is spacedapart from the directed axis 344A when the redirector 18 is positionedat the second position 350 as illustrated in FIG. 3B; (iii) launchesfrom the redirector 18 along a third redirected axis 358 that is spacedapart from the directed axis 344A when the redirector 18 is positionedat the third position 352 as illustrated in FIG. 3C; and (iv) launchesfrom the redirector 18 along a fourth redirected axis (not shown) thatis spaced apart from the directed axis 344A when the redirector 32 ispositioned at a fourth position (not shown).

In this embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 is designed so that theredirected axes 354, 356, 358 are equally spaced apart (e.g., ninetydegrees apart). Moreover, in this embodiment, the redirected axes 354,356, 358 are parallel to the directed axis 344A, and are each offset anequal distance away from the directed axis 344A. In particular, in FIGS.3A-3C, the first redirected axis 354 is offset from the directed axis344A downward along the Z axis; the second redirected axis 356 is offsetfrom the directed axis 344A (out of the page) along the X axis; thethird redirected axis 358 is offset from the directed axis 344A upwardalong the Z axis; and the fourth redirected axis is offset from thedirected axis 344A (into the page) along the X axis.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, (i) the first fiber inlet 36B of thefirst output fiber 36 is positioned along the first output axis 36A;(ii) the second fiber inlet 38B of the second output fiber 38 ispositioned along the second output axis 38A; (iii) the third fiber inlet40B of the third output fiber 40 is positioned along the third outputaxis 40A; and (iv) the fourth fiber inlet (not shown) of the fourthoutput fiber 42 (illustrated in FIG. 1) is positioned along the fourthoutput axis 42A (illustrated in FIG. 1).

Moreover, (i) the first output axis 36A is coaxial with the firstredirected axis 354 so that when the redirected beam 46 is directed bythe redirector 18 along the first redirected axis 354 as shown in FIG.3A, the redirected beam 46 is directed at the first fiber inlet 36B;(ii) the second output axis 38A is coaxial with the second redirectedaxis 356 so that when the redirected beam 46 is directed by theredirector 18 along the second redirected axis 356 as shown in FIG. 3B,the redirected beam 46 is directed at the second fiber inlet 38B; (iii)the third output axis 40A is coaxial with the third redirected axis 358so that when the redirected beam 46 is directed by the redirector 18along the third redirected axis 358 as shown in FIG. 3C, the redirectedbeam 46 is directed at the third fiber inlet 40B; and (iv) the fourthoutput axis 42A is coaxial with the fourth redirected axis so that whenthe redirected beam 46 is directed by the redirector 18 along the fourthredirected axis, the redirected beam 46 is directed at the fourth fiberinlet.

Additionally, the optical fiber switch 16 can include (i) a firstcoupling lens 360 that is positioned on the first redirected axis 354between the redirector 18 and the first fiber inlet 36B when theredirector 18 is in the first position 348, the first coupling lens 360focusing the redirected beam 46 at the first fiber inlet 36B when theredirector 18 is in the first position 348; (ii) a second coupling lens362 that is positioned on the second redirected axis 356 between theredirector 18 and the second fiber inlet 38B when the redirector 18 isin the second position 350, the second coupling lens 362 focusing theredirected beam 46 at the second fiber inlet 38B when the redirector 18is in the second position 350; (iii) a third coupling lens 364 that ispositioned on the third redirected axis 358 between the redirector 18and the third fiber inlet 40B when the redirector 18 is in the thirdposition 352, the third coupling lens 364 focusing the redirected beam46 at the third fiber inlet 40B when the redirector 18 is in the thirdposition 352; and (ii) a fourth coupling lens (not shown) that ispositioned on the fourth redirected axis between the redirector 18 andthe fourth fiber inlet when the redirector 18 is in the fourth position,the fourth coupling lens focusing the redirected beam 46 at the fourthfiber inlet when the redirector 18 is in the fourth position.

In one embodiment, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 is a lens (eitherspherical or aspherical) having an optical axis that is aligned with therespective redirected axis 354, 356, 358. In one embodiment, to achievethe desired small size and portability, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364has a relatively small diameter. In alternative, non-exclusiveembodiments, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 has a diameter of lessthan approximately 10 or 15 millimeters, and a focal length ofapproximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 mm and any fractional values thereof.The materials used for the coupling lens 360, 362, 364 are selected tobe effective for the wavelength(s) of the redirected beam 46. Thecoupling lens 360, 362, 364 can be designed to have a numerical aperture(NA) which matches that of the respective output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42.In one embodiment, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 is secured to theswitch housing 32.

In certain embodiments, each fiber inlet 36B, 38B, 40B includes a facetthat is coated with an AR (anti-reflection) material. The AR coatingallows the redirected beam 46 to easily enter the respective facet andfacilitates the entry of the redirected beam 46 into the respectiveoutput fiber 36, 38, 40, 42. This improves the efficiency of thecoupling between the respective coupling lens 360, 362, 364 and itscorresponding output fiber 36, 38, 40, and reduces the amount of heatthat is generated at the respective fiber facet. Further, the AR coatingensures that the majority of the power generated by the light source 12is transferred to the respective output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42, whichimproves the overall efficiency of the optical fiber switch 16.

In one embodiment, the AR coating has a relatively low reflectivity atthe wavelength(s) of the redirected beam 46. In alternative,non-exclusive embodiments, the AR coating can have a reflectivity ofless than approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 percent for the wavelength(s)of the redirected beam 46.

The materials utilized and the recipe for each of the coatings can bevaried according to the wavelengths of the redirected beam 46. Suitablematerials for the coatings include silicone, germanium, metal-oxides,and/or metal flourides. Further, the recipe for each of the coatings canbe developed using the commercially available coating design programsold under the name “The Essential Macleod”, by Thin Film Center Inc.,located in Tucson, Ariz.

The redirector mover 20 precisely moves the redirector 18 about amovement axis 366 so that the redirector 18 is alternatively positionedin the first position 348, the second position 350, the third position352, and the fourth position, so that the redirector 18 can redirect theinput beam 14 alternatively along the first redirected axis 354, thesecond redirected axis 356, the third redirected axis 358, and thefourth redirected axis, respectively. The design of the redirector mover20 can be varied to suit the specific design requirements of the lightsource assembly 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1) and/or the optical fiberswitch 16. In this embodiment, the redirector mover 20 includes a firstmover component 320A and a second mover component 320B that interactwith one another to move the redirector 18 as desired. Further, theredirector mover 20 is positioned on the input side of the redirector18.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A-3C, the first mover component320A is annular ring shaped and is positioned substantially about thesecond mover component 320B. Additionally, the second mover component320B is shaped as a cylindrical shaft that extends through the firstmover component 320A. Further, in this embodiment, the first movercomponent 320A is fixedly coupled to the mounting base 26, and thesecond mover component 320B is adapted to move relative to the firstmover component 320A. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the first movercomponent 320A can be referred to generally as and/or functions as thefixed component or stator component, and the second mover component 320Bcan be referred to generally as and/or functions as the moving componentor rotor component.

In one embodiment, the first mover component 320A can include one ormore coils (not illustrated) and the second mover component 320B caninclude one or more magnets (not illustrated) that interact with oneanother to move the redirector 18. More particularly, during use of theredirector mover 20, the control system 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1)selectively energizes one or more of the coils of the first movercomponent 320A, and the second mover component 320B, i.e. the magnets,align themselves with the magnetic field produced by the energized coilsof the first mover component 320A, thus producing the rotationalmovement of the second mover component 320B relative to the first movercomponent 320A. Alternatively, the first mover component 320A and thesecond mover component 320B can have different shapes, differentdesigns, and/or the functions of the first mover component 320A and thesecond mover component 320B can be reversed. For example, in certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the first mover component 320Acan include one or more magnets and the second mover component 320B caninclude one or more coils, and/or the first mover component 320A canfunction as the moving component or rotor component and the second movercomponent 320B can function as the fixed component or stator componentof the redirector mover 20.

It should be noted that the specific labeling of the first movercomponent and the second mover component is merely for convenience ofdescription, and either mover component can be described as the firstmover component and/or the second mover component.

Further, in this embodiment, the redirector 18 is fixedly coupled toand/or is integrally formed with the second mover component 320B, i.e.with the moving component. With this design, movement, e.g., rotation,of the second mover component 320B relative to the first mover component320A results in the corresponding movement, e.g., rotation, of theredirector 18 about the movement axis 366. Thus, the redirector 18 caneffectively function as a periscope-type redirector. In certainembodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the movement axis 366is coaxial with the directed axis 344A and can be coaxial with the inputaxis 34A. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the first movercomponent 320A is adapted to move relative to the second mover component320B, the redirector 18 can be fixedly coupled to and/or integrallyformed with the first mover component 320A.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the weight of the redirector 18 can bedistributed such that the redirector 18 is balanced about the movementaxis 366. With this design, when the optical fiber switch 16 issubjected to outside forces, e.g., vibrations, the balanced weighting ofthe redirector 18 will inhibit the outside forces from generating arotational force on the redirector 18 and/or the redirector mover 20.Stated another way, with this design, outside forces, such asvibrations, will produce substantially zero net rotational force on theredirector 18 and/or the redirector mover 20.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the second movercomponent 320B can include a component aperture 368 (illustrated withdotted lines) that is substantially centrally located within the secondmover component 320B and which extends substantially the entire lengthof the second mover component 320B. In one embodiment, the componentaperture 368 is has a generally circular shaped cross-sectional shapeand extends the length of the second mover component 320B. For example,the component aperture 368 can have a diameter of ten millimeters.Alternatively, the component aperture 368 can have another shape.

Moreover, the component aperture 368 can be coaxial with the directedaxis 344A and/or the movement axis 366. With this design, the input beam14 can be directed along the input axis 34A, into and/or through thecomponent aperture 368, and subsequently directed along the directedaxis 344A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector18. Moreover, as illustrated, the input beam 14 is directed along thedirected axis 344A substantially between the first mover component 320A,i.e. the fixed component, and the redirector 18 prior to the input beam14 being redirected by the redirector 18. Stated another way, the inputbeam 14 is directed along the directed axis 344A on an input side of theredirector 18 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 18.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 can furtherinclude a locking assembly 369 (illustrated in FIG. 3D) that selectivelylocks the redirector mover 20 and/or the redirector 18, as theredirector mover 20 selectively and alternatively positions theredirector 18 at the first position 348, the second position 350, thethird position 352, and the fourth position.

Moreover, the design of the redirector 18 and the redirector mover 20enables the optical fiber switch 16 to be more compact because thelength of the redirector 18, i.e. the length of the periscope, willdepend largely on the size and number of output locations 22A, 22B, 22C,22D (illustrated in FIG. 1), and not on the diameter of the redirectormover 20. More specifically, by directing the input beam 14 along thedirected axis 344A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366 of theredirector 18, and by positioning the redirector mover 20 on the inputside of the redirector 18 as illustrated and described herein, thediameter of the redirector mover 20 is no longer a limitation on thelength of the redirector 18, i.e. the length of the periscope. Thisability to utilize a shorter redirector 18, i.e. a shorter periscope,reduces the inertia of the redirector 18 during switching operations,which further enables higher switching speeds to be achieved. Anotheradvantage of the present design is the increased flexibility in choosingthe redirector mover 20.

The design of the redirector 18 can be varied pursuant to the teachingsprovided herein. In one embodiment, the redirector 18 includes an inputreflective surface 370 that is positioned along the directed axis 344Ain the path of the input beam 14, and an output reflective surface 372that is substantially parallel to (in parallel planes) and spaced apartfrom the input reflective surface 370 along a redirector longitudinalaxis 374 (illustrated in FIG. 3A) that is perpendicular to the directedaxis 344A. In this embodiment, each reflective surface 370, 372 isadapted to reflect the beam 14. For example, the input reflectivesurface 370 can redirect the input beam 14 approximately ninety degrees,and the output reflective surface 372 can redirect an intermediate beam376 that is reflected off of the input reflective surface 370approximately ninety degrees. In this embodiment, the input reflectivesurface 370 is at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees relativeto the input beam 14, and the output reflective surface 372 is at anangle of approximately forty-five degrees relative to both theintermediate beam 376 and the redirected beam 46. With this design, inthis embodiment, the redirected beam 46 is parallel and spaced apartfrom the input beam 14. Moreover, the input reflective surface 370 canbe fixedly coupled to the second reflective surface 372 so that they aremove concurrently during movement of the redirector 18 about themovement axis.

For example, in one embodiment, the redirector 18 can be a monolithic,rectangular shaped prism, with the parallel reflective surfaces 370, 372(e.g., mirrors) defining the opposed ends of the prism. Further, in thisembodiment, in addition to the reflective surfaces 370, 372 that definethe opposed ends, the prism includes four sides 378 that extend betweenthe reflective surfaces 370, 372. Alternatively, for example, theredirector 18 can be made from two parallel, spaced apart reflectivesurfaces 370, 372 that are fixedly secured together.

In certain non-exclusive, alternative embodiments, the redirector 18 canbe made of germanium, zinc selenide, silicone, calcium fluoride, bariumfluoride or chalcogenide glass. The working surfaces can be coated oruncoated (relying on internal total reflection).

As provided above, in this embodiment, the input beam 14 impinges on theinput reflective surface 370 at an angle of approximately forty-fivedegrees, and the redirected beam 46 exits from the output reflectivesurface 372 at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees.

Further, as provided above, in certain embodiments, the redirector 18 isrotated about the movement axis 366 that is coaxial with the directedaxis 344A (where the input beam 14 impinges the input reflective surface370) during movement of the redirector 18 between the positions 348,350, 352. With this design, the input beam 14 impinges at the samelocation on the input reflective surface 370 irrespective of theposition 348, 350, 352 of the redirector 18. In this embodiment, thedirected axis 344A is parallel to the Y axis. It should be noted thatwith this design of the redirector 18, any minor spatial/angulardisplacement of the redirector 18 (e.g., about the Z axis or about the Xaxis) shifts the beam 14 in space while preserving the propagationdirection. Moreover, small shifts in space while preserving thepropagation direction are allowable without losses of power. This allowsfor looser tolerances in the manufacture of the optical fiber switch 16and a less expensive to make optical fiber switch 16.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the optical fiber switch 16can further include a redirector guide 380 and a measurement system 382(each illustrated as a box).

The redirector guide 380 guides the movement of the redirector 18relative to the input beam 14 and the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. Asone non-exclusive embodiment, the redirector guide 380 includes one ormore bearings that allow the redirector 18 to be rotated about themovement axis 366, while inhibiting all other movement of the redirector18. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, a bearing can bepositioned at or near either end of the second mover component 320B suchthat the redirector 18 can be effectively rotated about the movementaxis 366, as desired, while all other movement of the redirector 18,e.g., along and about the axes, is inhibited. Additionally, theredirector guide 380, i.e. each of the bearings, is fixedly coupled tothe mounting base 26 with a mounting bracket 380B.

In FIGS. 3A-3C, as provided above, the movement axis 366 is coaxial withthe directed axis 344A (and the input axis 34A). As a result thereof, inthis embodiment, the redirector 18 rotates about the directed axis 344A(and the input axis 34A) between the positions 348, 350, 352.Alternatively, in one embodiment, the redirector guide 380, i.e. thebearings, can be integrated into and sealed within the redirector mover20. In such embodiment, the redirector guide 380 effectively forms apart of a sealed motor.

The measurement system 382 monitors the rotational position of theredirector 18 and provides feedback to the redirector mover 20 so thatthe redirector mover 20 can accurately position the redirector 18. Inone, non-exclusive embodiment, the measurement system 382 is a rotaryencoder. Additionally, in one embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16can further utilize an electronic or optical index position that furtherenhances the ability to provide precise positional calibration for theredirector mover 20 and the redirector 18.

FIG. 3D is an end view of a portion of the optical fiber switch 16. Inparticular, FIG. 3D illustrates one non-exclusive embodiment of alocking assembly 369 that can be utilized as part of the optical fiberswitch 16 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C or in the other optical switchesdisclosed herein. It should be noted that the locking assembly 369 canbe implemented before or near the redirector mover 20, between theredirector mover 20 and the redirector 18, or after the redirector 18.

Additionally, FIG. 3D further illustrates the component aperture 368that is substantially centrally located within the second movercomponent 320B and which extends substantially the entire length of thesecond mover component 320B.

As noted above, the locking assembly 369 selectively locks theredirector mover 20 and/or the redirector 18 (illustrated in FIG. 3A),as the redirector mover 20 selectively and alternatively positions theredirector 18 at the first position 348 (illustrated in FIG. 3A), thesecond position 350 (illustrated in FIG. 3B), the third position 352(illustrated in FIG. 3C), and the fourth position. The design of thelocking assembly 369 can be varied. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3D, the locking assembly 369 includes a plurality of grooves 369Aand a locking arm 369B.

As illustrated, the second mover component 320B, i.e. the rotorcomponent, can include the plurality of grooves 369A that are spacedapart around the circumference of the second mover component 320B. Moreparticularly, the plurality of grooves 369A are positioned around thecircumference of the second mover component 320B such that one of thegrooves 369A is substantially aligned with the locking arm 369B for eachof the positions of the redirector 18. Stated another way, when theredirector mover 20 selectively and alternatively positions theredirector 18 in the first position 348, the second position 350, thethird position 352, and the fourth position, in each position 348, 350,352, the grooves 369A are positioned such that the locking arm 369B canbe moved so that a portion of the locking arm 369B is positioned withinone of the grooves 369A.

During use, the locking arm 369B is selectively movable by an arm mover369F (e.g. a solenoid or other type of actuator) between (i) adisengaged position 369D (illustrated as solid lines in FIG. 3D), inwhich the redirector mover 20 can move and selectively and alternativelyposition the redirector 18 in the first position 348, the secondposition 350, the third position 352, and the fourth position; and (ii)an engaged position 369E (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 3D), in which aportion of the locking arm 369B is positioned within one of the grooves369A, thereby inhibiting rotation of the redirector mover 20 and thusmovement, i.e. rotation, of the redirector 18 between the positions 348,350, 352. In different embodiments, the locking arm 369B can bepositioned away from the first mover component 320A, i.e. the statorcomponent, or the locking arm 369B can extend through an aperture in thefirst mover component 320A

It should be noted that a locking assembly 369, such as illustrated anddescribed herein, can be applicable with any of the embodiments of theoptical fiber switch 16 provided in the present application.

Additionally, it should be noted that use of the locking assembly 369,as illustrated and described herein, provides certain benefits to theoptical fiber switch 16 and/or to the light source assembly 10(illustrated in FIG. 1). For example, use of the locking assembly 369can ensure the retention of the position of the redirector mover 20 andthe redirector 18 under loss of system power conditions. Further, theoverall power requirements for the light source assembly 10 can bereduced as the redirector mover 20 only needs to be powered duringmovement of the redirector 18 between the positions 348, 350, 352.Moreover, reduction of EMI/EMF of the coils of the first mover component320A can be realized by only powering the redirector mover 20 duringmovement of the redirector 18 between the positions 348, 350, 352.

FIG. 4 is a simplified side view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe optical fiber switch 416 having features of the present invention.It should be noted that the redirector guide 380 and the mounting base26 have been omitted from FIG. 4 for purposes of clarity. Asillustrated, the optical fiber switch 416 is somewhat similar to theoptical fiber switch 16 illustrated and described in detail above inrelation to FIGS. 3A-3C. For example, the redirector 418 issubstantially similar in design and function to the redirector 18illustrated and described above. As with the previous embodiment, theredirector 418 can be alternatively positioned in the first position 348(as illustrated in FIG. 4), the second position 350 (illustrated in FIG.3B), the third position 352 (illustrated in FIG. 3C), and the fourthposition (not illustrated). Additionally, the light source 12 againlaunches and directs the input beam 14 along the input axis 434A towardthe redirector 418, and the redirector 418 again redirects the inputbeam 14 so that the redirected beam 46 is selectively and alternativelyredirected toward (i) the first fiber inlet 36B of the first outputfiber 36 when the redirector is positioned in the first position 348,(ii) the second fiber inlet 38B of the second output fiber 38 when theredirector is positioned in the second position 350, (ii) the thirdfiber inlet 40B of the third output fiber 40 when the redirector ispositioned in the third position 352, and (iv) the fourth fiber inlet(not illustrated) of the fourth output fiber 42 (illustrated in FIG. 1)when the redirector is positioned in the fourth position.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the redirector mover420 again includes a first mover component 420A and a second movercomponent 420B that interact with one another to move the redirector 418as desired. Moreover, during use of the redirector mover 420, the secondmover component 420B is adapted to move, e.g., rotate, relative to thefirst mover component 420A. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the firstmover component 420A can again be referred to generally as and/orfunction as the fixed component or stator component, and the secondmover component 420B can again be referred to generally as and/orfunction as the moving component or rotor component. Still further, theredirector 418 can again be fixedly coupled to and/or can be integrallyformed with the second mover component 420B, i.e. the moving component.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the optical fiber switch 416further includes a coupler 484 that fixedly couples the second movercomponent 420B to the redirector 418. Alternatively, the optical fiberswitch 416 can be designed without the coupler 484 and the second movercomponent 420B can be directly secured to the redirector 418.

In one embodiment, the coupler 484 can be substantially tubular shaped

With the design as illustrated herein, movement, e.g., rotation, of thesecond mover component 420B relative to the first mover component 420Aagain results in the corresponding movement, e.g., rotation, of theredirector 418 about the movement axis 366. Moreover, as illustrated,the input beam 14 is again directed along the directed axis 444Asubstantially between the first mover component 420A, i.e. the fixedcomponent, and the redirector 418 prior to the input beam 14 beingredirected by the redirector 418. Stated another way, the input beam 14is directed along the directed axis 444A on an input side of theredirector 418 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 418.

However, in this embodiment, the input axis 434A is substantiallyperpendicular to the movement axis 366 of the redirector 418. Thus, inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the optical fiber switch 416 alsoincludes a director 486, e.g., a mirror, that directs the input beam 14from the input axis 434A so that the input beam 14 is properly directedalong a directed axis 444A prior to the input beam 14 being redirectedby the redirector 418. More particularly, the director 486 includes adirector reflective surface 488 that directs the input beam 14 from theinput axis 434A to the directed axis 444A. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 4, the director reflective surface 488 can be positioned in thepath of the input beam 14 substantially between the redirector mover 20,i.e. the first mover component 420A and/or the second mover component420B, and the redirector 418. In one embodiment, the director reflectivesurface 488 is positioned at an angle of approximately forty-fivedegrees relative to the input beam 14 as the input beam 14 moves alongthe input axis 434A, such that the input beam 14 will be reflected ordirected by approximately ninety degrees from the input axis 434A to thedirected axis 444A. As with the previous embodiment, the directed axis444A is coaxial with the movement axis 366.

Additionally, to enable the input beam 14 to necessarily contact thedirector reflective surface 488, the coupler 484 includes one or morecoupler windows 490 or openings (only two are illustrated in FIG. 4 forpurposes of clarity). For example, in certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the coupler 484 can include one window that extendssubstantially, if not entirely, around the perimeter of the coupler 484,or the coupler 484 can include an individual window 490 being positionedso as to allow the input beam 14 to pass through the window 490 when theredirector 418 is alternatively positioned in the first position 348,the second position 350, the third position 352 or the fourth position.With this design, as the input beam 14 is directed along the input axis434A, the input beam 14 passes through one of the coupler windows 490prior to contacting the director reflective surface 488. Alternatively,in one embodiment, the second mover component 420B can include one ormore component windows (not illustrated) or openings, and the input beam14 can pass through one of the component windows prior to contacting thedirector reflective surface 488. It should be noted that as utilizedherein, the term “window” is intended to comprise any configurationwherein the input beam 14 can effectively pass through the “window”. Forexample, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the “window”can be an opening or the “window” can comprise any material that issubstantially transparent to the propagation of the input beam 14.

Further, in this embodiment, the director reflective surface 488 issecured to or otherwise mounted on a director shaft 492. Stated anotherway, the director shaft 492 retains the director reflective surface 488.Moreover, in this embodiment, the director shaft 492 extends through acomponent aperture 468 in the second mover component 420B, which extendssubstantially the entire length of the second mover component 420B. Thedirector shaft 492 is further fixedly secured to a director supportsurface 494 that is positioned spaced apart from the second movercomponent 420B. With this design, the director reflective surface 488 isconsistently maintained at the proper angle relative to the input axis434A so as to properly and accurately direct the input beam 14 along thedirected axis 444A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 418.

As with the previous embodiment, by directing the input beam 14 alongthe directed axis 444A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, andby positioning the redirector mover 420 on the input side of theredirector 418 as illustrated and described herein, various designadvantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirectormover 420 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 418,i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch416 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 418 duringswitching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved,and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 420.

FIG. 5 is a simplified side view of a portion of still anotherembodiment of the optical fiber switch 516 having features of thepresent invention. It should be noted that the redirector guide 380 andthe mounting base 26 have been omitted from FIG. 5 for purposes ofclarity. As illustrated, the optical fiber switch 516 is somewhatsimilar to the optical fiber switches 16, 416 illustrated and describedin detail above. For example, the redirector 518 is substantiallysimilar in design and function to the redirectors 18, 418 illustratedand described above. As with the previous embodiments, the redirector518 can be alternatively positioned in the first position 348 (asillustrated in FIG. 5), the second position 350 (illustrated in FIG.3B), the third position 352 (illustrated in FIG. 3C), and the fourthposition (not illustrated). Additionally, the light source 12 againlaunches and directs the input beam 14 along the input axis 534A towardthe redirector 518, and the redirector 518 again redirects the inputbeam 14 so that the redirected beam 46 is selectively and alternativelyredirected toward (i) the first fiber inlet 36B of the first outputfiber 36 when the redirector is positioned in the first position 348,(ii) the second fiber inlet 38B of the second output fiber 38 when theredirector is positioned in the second position 350, (ii) the thirdfiber inlet 40B of the third output fiber 40 when the redirector ispositioned in the third position 352, and (iv) the fourth fiber inlet(not illustrated) of the fourth output fiber 42 (illustrated in FIG. 1)when the redirector is positioned in the fourth position.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the redirector mover520 again includes a first mover component 520A and a second movercomponent 520B that interact with one another to move the redirector 518as desired. Moreover, during use of the redirector mover 520, the secondmover component 520B is adapted to move, e.g., rotate, relative to thefirst mover component 520A. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the firstmover component 520A can again be referred to generally as and/orfunction as the fixed component or stator component, and the secondmover component 520B can again be referred to generally as and/orfunction as the moving component or rotor component. Still further, inthis embodiment, the redirector 518 can again be fixedly coupled toand/or can be integrally formed with the second mover component 520B,i.e. the moving component. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, theoptical fiber switch 516 further includes a coupler 584 that fixedlycouples the second mover component 520B to the redirector 518. With thisdesign, movement, e.g., rotation, of the second mover component 520Brelative to the first mover component 520A again results in thecorresponding movement, e.g., rotation, of the redirector 518 about themovement axis 366. Moreover, as illustrated, the input beam 14 is againdirected along the directed axis 544A substantially between the firstmover component 520A, i.e. the fixed component, and the redirector 518prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 518.Stated another way, the input beam 14 is directed along the directedaxis 544A on an input side of the redirector 518 prior to the input beam14 being redirected by the redirector 518.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, theinput axis 534A is substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 366of the redirector 518. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5,the optical fiber switch 516 also includes a director 586, e.g., amirror, that directs the input beam 14 from the input axis 534A so thatthe input beam 14 is properly directed along a directed axis 544A priorto the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 518. Moreparticularly, the director 586 includes a director reflective surface588 that directs the input beam 14 from the input axis 534A to thedirected axis 544A. In one embodiment, the director reflective surface588 is positioned at an angle of approximately forty-five degreesrelative to the input beam 14 as the input beam 14 moves along the inputaxis 534A, such that the input beam 14 will be reflected or directed byapproximately ninety degrees from the input axis 534A to the directedaxis 544A. As with the previous embodiments, the directed axis 544A iscoaxial with the movement axis 366.

Additionally, to enable the input beam 14 to necessarily contact thedirector reflective surface 588, the coupler 584 includes one or morecoupler windows 590. With this design, as the input beam 14 is directedalong the input axis 534A, the input beam 14 passes through one of thecoupler windows 590 prior to contacting the director reflective surface588. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the second mover component 520Bcan include one or more component windows (not illustrated), and theinput beam 14 can pass through one of the component windows prior tocontacting the director reflective surface 588.

Further, the director reflective surface 588 is mounted on a directorshaft 592 that extends through one of the coupler windows 590 of thecoupler 584. In this embodiment, since the director shaft 592 extendsthrough one of the coupler windows 590, i.e. through a slot in one ofthe coupler windows 590, the coupler window 590 provides a limitation onthe extent of rotation that may be achieved with the coupler 584.Accordingly, a corresponding limitation exists on the extent of rotationof the redirector 518 that is coupled to the redirector mover 520 viathe coupler 584. Therefore, the coupler window 590 needs to besufficiently large about a perimeter of the coupler 584 so as to not toogreatly limit the extent of rotation of the redirector 518. Moreover,the director shaft 592 is fixedly secured to a director support surface594 that is positioned spaced apart from the second mover component520B. With this design, the director reflective surface 588 isconsistently maintained at the proper angle relative to the input axis534A so as to properly and accurately direct the input beam 14 along thedirected axis 544A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 518.

As with the previous embodiments, by directing the input beam 14 alongthe directed axis 544A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, andby positioning the redirector mover 520 on the input side of theredirector 518 as illustrated and described herein, various designadvantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirectormover 520 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 518,i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch516 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 518 duringswitching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved,and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 520.

FIG. 6 is a simplified side view of a portion of yet another embodimentof the optical fiber switch 616 having features of the presentinvention. It should be noted that the redirector guide 380 and themounting base 26 have been omitted from FIG. 6 for purposes of clarity.As illustrated, the optical fiber switch 616 is somewhat similar to theoptical fiber switches 16, 416, 516 illustrated and described in detailabove. For example, the redirector 618 is substantially similar indesign and function to the redirectors 18, 418, 518 illustrated anddescribed above. As with the previous embodiments, the redirector 618can be alternatively positioned in the first position 348 (asillustrated in FIG. 6), the second position 350 (illustrated in FIG.3B), the third position 352 (illustrated in FIG. 3C), and the fourthposition (not illustrated). Additionally, the light source 12 againlaunches and directs the input beam 14 along the input axis 634A towardthe redirector 618, and the redirector 618 again redirects the inputbeam 14 so that the redirected beam 46 is selectively and alternativelyredirected toward (i) the first fiber inlet 36B of the first outputfiber 36 when the redirector is positioned in the first position 348,(ii) the second fiber inlet 38B of the second output fiber 38 when theredirector is positioned in the second position 350, (ii) the thirdfiber inlet 40B of the third output fiber 40 when the redirector ispositioned in the third position 352, and (iv) the fourth fiber inlet(not illustrated) of the fourth output fiber 42 (illustrated in FIG. 1)when the redirector is positioned in the fourth position.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the redirector mover620 again includes a first mover component 620A and the second movercomponent 620B that interact with one another to move the redirector 618as desired. However, in this embodiment, during use of the redirectormover 620, the first mover component 620A is adapted to move, e.g.,rotate, relative to the second mover component 620B. Accordingly, inthis embodiment, the first mover component 620A can be referred togenerally as and/or function as the moving component or rotor component,and the second mover component 620B can be referred to generally asand/or function as the fixed component or stator component.Additionally, in this embodiment, the redirector 618 can be fixedlycoupled to and/or can be integrally formed with the first movercomponent 620A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the optical fiberswitch 616 further includes a coupler 684 that fixedly couples the firstmover component 620A to the redirector 618. With this design, movement,e.g., rotation, of the first mover component 620A relative to the secondmover component 620B results in the corresponding movement, e.g.,rotation, of the redirector 618 about the movement axis 366. Moreover,as illustrated, the input beam 14 is directed along the directed axis644A substantially between the second mover component 620B, i.e. thefixed component, and the redirector 618 prior to the input beam 14 beingredirected by the redirector 618. Stated another way, the input beam 14is directed along the directed axis 644A on an input side of theredirector 618 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 618.

Similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in thisembodiment, the input axis 634A is substantially perpendicular to themovement axis 366 of the redirector 618. Thus, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, the optical fiber switch 616 also includes adirector 686, e.g., a mirror, that directs the input beam 14 from theinput axis 634A so that the input beam 14 is properly directed along adirected axis 644A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 618. More particularly, the director 686 includes a directorreflective surface 688 that directs the input beam 14 from the inputaxis 634A to the directed axis 644A. In one embodiment, the directorreflective surface 688 is positioned at an angle of approximatelyforty-five degrees relative to the input beam 14 as the input beam 14moves along the input axis 634A, such that the input beam 14 will bereflected or directed by approximately ninety degrees from the inputaxis 634A to the directed axis 644A. As with the previous embodiments,the directed axis 644A is coaxial with the movement axis 366.

Additionally, to enable the input beam 14 to necessarily contact thedirector reflective surface 688, the coupler 684 includes one or morecoupler windows 690. With this design, as the input beam 14 is directedalong the input axis 634A, the input beam 14 passes through one of thecoupler windows 690 prior to contacting the director reflective surface688.

Further, the director reflective surface 688 is mounted on the secondmover component 620B, which in this embodiment, as noted above, is in afixed position. To more effectively maintain the fixed position of thesecond mover component 620B, and thus the director reflective surface688, the second mover component 620B is fixedly secured to a directorsupport surface 694. With this design, the director reflective surface688 is consistently maintained at the proper angle relative to the inputaxis 634A so as to properly and accurately direct the input beam 14along the directed axis 644A prior to the input beam 14 being redirectedby the redirector 618.

As with the previous embodiments, by directing the input beam 14 alongthe directed axis 644A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, andby positioning the redirector mover 620 on the input side of theredirector 618 as illustrated and described herein, various designadvantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirectormover 620 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 618,i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch616 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 618 duringswitching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved,and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 620.

FIG. 7 is a simplified side view of a portion of the mounting base 26and still yet another embodiment of the optical fiber switch 716 havingfeatures of the present invention, with the optical fiber switch 716being in the first position 348. The optical fiber switch 716 issubstantially similar to the optical fiber switch 16 illustrated anddescribed in detail above in relation to FIGS. 3A-3C. For example, theoptical fiber switch includes a redirector 718, a redirector mover 720,and the plurality of output fibers 36, 38, 40 that are substantiallysimilar to the redirector 18, the redirector mover 20, and the pluralityof output fibers 36, 38, 40 illustrated and described in detail above inrelation to FIGS. 3A-3C. More particularly, (i) the redirector mover 720again includes a first mover component 720A and a second mover component720B that interact with one another to move the redirector 718 asdesired; (ii) the second mover component 720B (i.e. the moving componentor rotor component) again extends through and rotates relative to thefirst mover component 720A (i.e. the fixed component or statorcomponent) about the movement axis 366; (iii) the redirector 718 isagain fixedly coupled to and/or integrally formed with the second movercomponent 720B; and (iv) the second mover component 720B again includesa component aperture 768 (illustrated with dotted lines) that issubstantially centrally located within the second mover component 720Band which extends substantially the entire length of the second movercomponent 720B.

However, in this embodiment, the optical fiber switch 716 furtherincludes an input fiber 734. The input fiber 734 is an optical fiberthat transfers and directs the input beam 14 from the light source 12(illustrated in FIG. 1) toward the redirector 718. In certainembodiments, the input fiber 734 launches the input beam 14 such thatthe input beam 14 is initially directed along an input axis 734A andthrough the component aperture 768. In this embodiment, the input axis734A is again substantially parallel to the Y axis. Alternatively, theinput axis 734A can be substantially parallel to the X axis,substantially parallel to the Z axis, or in another direction.Additionally, the input beam 14 is again directed along a directed axis744A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 18toward one of the locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D (illustrated in FIG. 1).In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the directed axis 744A is againsubstantially coaxial with the input axis 734A. Moreover, asillustrated, the input beam 14 is again directed along the directed axis744A substantially between the first mover component 720A, i.e. thefixed component, and the redirector 718 prior to the input beam 14 beingredirected by the redirector 718. Stated another way, the input beam 14is directed along the directed axis 744A on an input side of theredirector 718 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by theredirector 718.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the input beam 14 can be directedalong the input axis 734A and along the directed axis 744A without thepath of the input beam 14 being altered. Stated another way, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the path of the input beam 14 need notbe altered prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector718 because the directed axis 744A is coaxial with the input axis 734A.

Further, FIG. 7 illustrates that the input fiber 734 includes an outletend 734B that is positioned near the redirector mover 720 and thatlaunches the input beam 14 along the input axis 734A and through thecomponent aperture 768, the input beam 14 being subsequently directedalong the directed axis 744A, which in this embodiment is substantiallycoaxial with the input axis 734A, and toward the redirector 718.Additionally, in this embodiment, the redirector mover 720 is positionedsubstantially between the outlet end 734B of the input fiber 734 and theredirector 718.

Moreover, as with the previous embodiments, by directing the input beam14 along the directed axis 744A, which is coaxial with the movement axis366, and by positioning the redirector mover 720 on the input side ofthe redirector 718 as illustrated and described herein, various designadvantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirectormover 720 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 718,i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch716 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 718 duringswitching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved,and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 720.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of an optical fiberswitch 16 have been discussed above, those of skill in the art willrecognize certain modifications, permutations, additions andsub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the followingappended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted toinclude all such modifications, permutations, additions andsub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical fiber switch for alternativelyredirecting an input beam along a first redirected axis and along asecond redirected axis, the input beam being launched along an inputaxis and directed along a directed axis, the optical switch comprising:a redirector that is positioned in the path of the input beam along thedirected axis, the redirector redirecting the input beam so that aredirected beam alternatively launches from the redirector (i) along thefirst redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis whenthe redirector is positioned at a first position, and (ii) along thesecond redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis whenthe redirector is positioned at a second position that is different fromthe first position; and a redirector mover including a first movercomponent and a second mover component that interact with one another tomove the redirector about a movement axis between the first position andthe second position, wherein at least one of the mover componentsincludes a component aperture, and wherein the input beam is directedthrough the component aperture.
 2. The optical fiber switch of claim 1wherein the first mover component is a stator component and the secondmover component is a rotor component that moves relative to the statorcomponent, and wherein the input beam is directed along the directedaxis substantially between the stator component and the redirector priorto the input beam being redirected by the redirector.
 3. The opticalfiber switch of claim 1 wherein the movement axis is substantiallycoaxial with the directed axis, and wherein the redirector is fixedlycoupled to one of the first mover component and the second movercomponent.
 4. The optical fiber switch of claim 1 wherein the componentaperture is substantially coaxial with the movement axis.
 5. The opticalfiber switch of claim 1 wherein the redirector includes an inputreflective surface that is positioned in the path of the input beamalong the directed axis and an output reflective surface that issubstantially parallel to and spaced apart from the input reflectivesurface, the input reflective surface being fixedly coupled to theoutput reflective surface.
 6. The optical fiber switch of claim 1further comprising (i) a first output fiber having a first fiber inletthat is positioned along the first redirected axis; (ii) a firstcoupling lens that is positioned on the first redirected axis betweenthe redirector and the first fiber inlet when the redirector is in thefirst position, the first coupling lens focusing the redirected beam atthe first fiber inlet when the redirector is in the first position;(iii) a second output fiber having a second fiber inlet that ispositioned along the second redirected axis; and (iv) a second couplinglens that is positioned on the second redirected axis between theredirector and the second fiber inlet when the redirector is in thesecond position, the second coupling lens focusing the redirected beamat the second fiber inlet when the redirector is in the second position.7. The optical fiber switch of claim 1 further comprising a lockingassembly that selectively locks the redirector at the first position andat the second position.
 8. A light source assembly comprising a lightsource that generates an input beam, an input fiber that launches theinput beam along an input axis, and the optical fiber switch of claim 1that alternatively redirects the input beam along the first redirectedaxis and the second redirected axis.
 9. An optical fiber switch foralternatively redirecting an input beam along a first redirected axisand along a second redirected axis, the input beam being launched alongan input axis and directed along a directed axis, the optical switchcomprising: a redirector that is positioned in the path of the inputbeam along the directed axis, the redirector redirecting the input beamso that a redirected beam alternatively launches from the redirector (i)along the first redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directedaxis when the redirector is positioned at a first position, and (ii)along the second redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directedaxis when the redirector is positioned at a second position that isdifferent from the first position; and a redirector mover including afirst mover component and a second mover component that interact withone another to move the redirector about a movement axis between thefirst position and the second position, the input beam being directedalong the directed axis substantially between the first mover componentand the redirector prior to the input beam being redirected by theredirector.
 10. The optical fiber switch of claim 9 wherein the movementaxis is substantially coaxial with the directed axis, and wherein theredirector is fixedly coupled to one of the first mover component andthe second mover component; wherein at least one of the first movercomponent and the second mover component includes a component aperturethat is substantially coaxial with the movement axis; and wherein theinput beam is directed through the component aperture.
 11. The opticalfiber switch of claim 9 further comprising a locking assembly thatselectively locks the redirector at the first position and at the secondposition.
 12. An optical fiber switch for alternatively redirecting aninput beam along a first redirected axis and along a second redirectedaxis, the input beam being launched along an input axis and directedalong a directed axis, the optical switch comprising: a redirector thatis positioned in the path of the input beam along the directed axis, theredirector redirecting the input beam so that a redirected beamalternatively launches from the redirector (i) along the firstredirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis when theredirector is positioned at a first position, and (ii) along the secondredirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis when theredirector is positioned at a second position that is different from thefirst position; a redirector mover that moves the redirector about amovement axis between the first position and the second position, theredirector mover including a stator component and a rotor component thatmoves relative to the stator component; and a locking assembly thatselectively locks the redirector at the first position and at the secondposition.
 13. The optical fiber switch of claim 12 wherein the lockingassembly includes a locking arm that is selectively movable between adisengaged position in which the redirector can move between the firstposition and the second position, and an engaged position in whichmovement of the redirector is inhibited.
 14. The optical fiber switch ofclaim 12 wherein the movement axis is substantially coaxial with thedirected axis, and wherein the redirector is fixedly coupled to therotor component, wherein at least one of the stator component and therotor component includes a component aperture, and wherein the componentaperture is substantially coaxial with the movement axis.
 15. A lightsource assembly comprising a light source that generates an input beam,an input fiber that launches the input beam along an input axis, and theoptical fiber switch of claim 12 that alternatively redirects the inputbeam along the first redirected axis and the second redirected axis. 16.A method for alternatively redirecting an input beam, the input beambeing launched along an input axis, the method comprising the steps of:directing the input beam along a directed axis; positioning a redirectoralong the directed axis in the path of the input beam; redirecting theinput beam with the redirector so that a redirected beam alternativelylaunches from the redirector (i) along a first redirected axis that isspaced apart from the directed axis when the redirector is positioned ata first position, and (ii) along a second redirected axis that is spacedapart from the directed axis when the redirector is positioned at asecond position that is different from the first position; moving theredirector with a redirector mover, the redirector mover including afirst mover component and a second mover component that interact withone another to move the redirector about a movement axis between thefirst position and the second position, wherein at least one of themover components includes a component aperture, and wherein the inputbeam is directed through the component aperture.
 17. The method of claim16 wherein the step of moving the redirector includes the movement axisbeing substantially coaxial with the directed axis, and wherein the stepof positioning the redirector includes the step of fixedly coupling theredirector to one of the first mover component and the second movercomponent.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step ofselectively locking the redirector at the first position and the secondposition with a locking assembly.
 19. A method for forming a lightsource assembly comprising the steps of generating an input beam with alight source, launching the input beam along an input axis with an inputfiber, and alternatively redirecting the input beam along the firstredirected axis and the second redirected axis with the method of claim16.